Jakarta. Students' union alliance BEM SI Kerakyatan made a last-minute decision to postpone their protests, which were scheduled to take place in Jakarta on Tuesday.

Indonesia has been witnessing waves of riots triggered by lawmakers' lavish financial perks and the death of a ride-hailing driver by a police tactical vehicle. Lawmakers, as well as Finance Minister Sri Mulyani, had their homes ransacked amidst the riots. President Prabowo Subianto has told security forces to take firm action against those targeting the homes of public officials and state facilities. As the situation escalates, BEM SI Kerakyatan announced it would step back for a while, citing unfavorable security conditions on the ground. The alliance did not say until when they would delay the protests.

"The situation in Jakarta and other regions has become increasingly unstable, as seen in the numerous riots. Considering all this, it has become something that is far from what we have expected," BEM SI Kerakyatan's coordinator Muhammad Ikram was quoted as saying in a statement.

"We have decided to step back for the time being. So we can make sure that we stage our rally at the right time. This way, we can well represent the aspirations," Ikram said.

The police and military have deployed 350 officers to secure the area. According to Jakarta Metropolitan Police's head of operations, I Ketut Gede Wijatmika, the team will carry out patrols to make sure that residents can carry out their normal activities.